E.T., Phone Home with the Answers

By Will Shortz

Published February 26, 2006 at 7:51 AM CST

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home.

Challenge from Feb. 19: From Eric Berlin of Milford, Connecticut: Think of two different words meaning desire. Add the same letter in front of each of them, and you'll get two new words, each meaning "to get rid of." What words are these?

Answer: P, added to "itch" and "urge," gives you PITCH and PURGE

Winner: Avie Katz of Cupertino, California.

Challenge from Feb. 26: Take the phrase, "take bets on." Rearrange those 10 letters to name something to eat. What is it?

Will Shortz

NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz has appeared on Weekend Edition Sunday since the program's start in 1987. He's also the crossword editor of The New York Times, the former editor of Games magazine, and the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (since 1978).

See stories by Will Shortz